24/09/2026
Thinking about the UK Innovator Founder visa? Before anything else, there’s one question that shapes your entire application: is your business brand new, or already trading?
This isn’t a minor detail ,it changes how your idea gets assessed against the four pillars endorsing bodies look for:
Innovation — is it new, or does it add real value to an existing market?
Viability — do you (and your team) have the skills to actually run it?
Scalability — can it create jobs and grow beyond you?
Eligibility — do you meet the endorsing body’s specific criteria?
An idea that’s already trading needs to show traction. A brand-new concept needs to prove the thinking behind it holds up. Neither is “easier “they’re just judged differently.
Not sure which category you fall into, or how strong your case is against the four pillars? Send us a message and we’ll help you figure out where you stand.
Send us a 📩 DM to start.